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There are protein bars everywhere nowadays. You can buy them next to the cash register in supermarkets, coffee shops, and pharmacies. They can be found in vending machines in airports, even as choices for airline snacks. The problem is figuring out which protein bars are all good for you.
Sadly, most options are unhealthy. Additions of sugar (often in multiple forms) and poor-quality protein are prevalent. Aside from their high sugar content and artificial flavors, they are usually loaded with unhealthy preservatives.
In other words, how do you determine whether you should buy a protein bar based on convenience and health benefits? Here are our top tips for reading the nutrition facts label and ingredients list, along with what to pay special attention to.
Is it packed with Enough Protein?
A protein bar, after all, should provide good sources of protein. So, it stands to reason that you should pay attention to how much protein is in the bar? You should look for a protein bar with at least 10 grams of protein in it, whether you’re supplementing your intake of nutrients or replacing meals.
To get the best possible value, also consider the type of protein source you are consuming, As an example, whey, pea, casein, and egg protein are high-quality sources, while soy chips are a low-quality and cheaper option.
How many calories does it contain?
Although calorie counting isn’t the best way to judge food quality, it is an important factor to consider when shopping for protein bars. You should stick to protein bars with fewer than 400 calories in general. Protein needs to be higher in the calorie/protein ratio
A 200-calorie protein bar with ten grams of protein is a healthier choice than a 400-calorie bar with fifteen grams of protein.
What are the sources of sugar in protein bars?
It does not matter if sugar is not listed first or if it appears as middle or last or if it is not listed at all, you need to know “where” it comes from.
Whenever there are more than 10 grams of sugar in a bar, the source of the sugar is important to take into account. As much as possible, you should avoid added sugars such as HFCS, cane sugar, fruit juice concentrates, molasses, and syrup. Rather than processed sugars, go for more natural sweeteners, such as fruit like apples or dates, or berries like Gobi berries.
Over Easy Breakfast Bars
Over easy breakfast bars with a simple and nutritional ingredient list, including organic oats, natural nut butter, cage-free egg whites, honey and organic nut butter.
The protein bars contain 8-11g of protein, 6-8g of fiber, are dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and are free of refined sugars and artificial flavors.
ALOHA Plant-Based Protein Bars
Aloha’s plant-based protein bars contain a proprietary brown rice and pumpkin seed protein blend, delivering 14g of protein and just 5g of sugar per serving.
In addition to being organic, non-GMO project verified, vegan, and gluten-free, ALOHA bars do not contain sugar alcohol, dairy, soy, or gluten.
RXBAR Layered Protein Bars
RXBAR’s key ingredients are egg whites for protein, nuts for texture and dates for binding, topped with real honey and nut butter for even more indulgence. RXBAR contain natural sugar that comes from dates and fruit. No added, or synthetic sugar is used.
In addition to offering the highest amount of protein per bar, RXBAR Layers have a number of delicious flavors to satisfy a fan’s snack cravings, whether as post-workout fuel or a midday pick-me-up.
Gomacro MacroBar
This bar is made with brown rice syrup, which we don’t like to see as the first ingredient. However, it is included in the list for an important reason (see below). There are other healthy ingredients in the mix, including sunflower seed butter, sprouted brown rice protein, cinnamon, and vanilla. These provide a range of nutrients, including manganese, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin E, and B vitamins.
The sunflower butter, chocolate, and vanilla give this protein bar a soft, chewy texture and a sweet taste. It has a solid nutrient balance (10g protein to 9g sugar in 260 calories) while being allergen-free. Therefore, it is suitable for vegans as well as those who have dietary or personal reasons not to eat nuts, soy, gluten, eggs, or dairy.
CLIF Protein Bar
Clif Builder’s Bars are loaded with protein, so they’re perfect after a workout. This bar provides 20 grams of complete protein that helps your muscles recover and rebuild after a hard workout.
A unique combination of crunch, nougat, and a chocolate coating gives these bars a unique texture and makes them an interesting alternative to other protein bars.
Clif made a classic recovery bar that won’t fail the taste test. It has great flavors, great ingredients, and doesn’t contain artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols, or Trans fats.
OATMEGA Protein Bars
OATMEGA Protein Bars are a delicious snack that contain Omega-3 fatty acids and are non-GMO, gluten-free, and contain Omega-3 fatty acids. This bar is the perfect combination of sweet and salty!
The OATMEGA bars contain 14 grams of premium grass-fed whey protein and 250 milligrams of Omega-3 fatty acids. OATMEGA fuels you for whatever the day may hold, whether you are training for a triathlon or running to a meeting.
Cliff Whole Lotta Protein Bars
It is true that Cliff Whole Lotta bars contain a little more sugar (from dates, no less!) than the rest of these bars. Protein comes from organic pea protein, which is less processed than soy protein alternatives. There are a variety of nuts and seeds in this bar, as well as phytonutrients and micronutrients such as magnesium, copper, zinc, iron, and manganese.
With 240 calories, you’ll get 10 grams of plant-based protein, around 10 grams of unsaturated fats, and about 4 grams of fiber (depending on the flavor).
Sakara Protein Bars
Sakara Metabolism bars are made from organic cocoa and plant-based protein blends. Their delicious chocolate fudge flavor comes from cocoa and plant-based protein. Pre- or post-workout, enjoy these snacks as a protein boost.
Ingredients include organic brown rice and peas for high protein, 10g fiber from tapioca and chicory root. To promote satiation without energy crashes, and 0g added sugar. The Metabolism Bars are made with all-natural ingredients, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free. There are no preservatives, additives, or preservatives used in their making.
Keto Zing Bars
LOW CARB KETO BAR: Can’t decide which to try? Try all three! It contains 4 of each flavor: Macadamia Snicker doodle, Chocolate Almond Cacao Crunch, and Peanut Butter Cookie Dough. Each bar also contains 7-9 grams of plant-based protein, 1 gram of sugar, and 3 grams of net carbs.
Nutritionists designed this product to provide optimum macronutrients, clean ingredients, and superior taste; 0% artificial flavoring, no added sugar, no preservatives, packed with fiber, good fats, and protein to satisfy cravings.
